DTI launches PH E-Commerce Roadmap 2016-2020

Makati City --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap 2016-2020, as well as the e-commerce.gov.ph website last 2 February 2. Over 150 industry stakeholders and officials/representatives from government agencies participated in the event.

The roadmap is the Philippines’ first on e-commerce, and the DTI expects renewed and reinvigorated collaboration between the government and the private sector to fully accelerate the growth of Philippine e-commerce – one that is globally competitive and integrated.

The roadmap’s main objective is to contribute 25% to the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020 (from 10% in 2015 based on estimates made by iMetrics Asia Pacific Corporation). The country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.6% of Philippine enterprises, will largely benefit from this initiative. By participating and engaging in e-commerce programs and projects, Philippine MSMEs can become globally competitive.

The PECR 2016-2020 presents the Philippines’ strategic plans, policies, and other support measures to harness the benefits of e-commerce for the country. Its action plan is based on key areas highlighted in the APEC Digital Prosperity Checklist.

It is intended to be a living document that will be continuously updated through regular stakeholder consultations to draw up strategies befitting current and timely issues and concerns. Ultimately, through this roadmap, more home-grown Philippine enterprises can directly access the global market or be integrated in global value chain, enabling further access to larger foreign markets.